According to information published on November 11, 2020, On November 11, 2020, the world’s most modern Sa'ar 6 corvette “INS Magen” was officially handed over by German Company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to the Israeli Navy in Kiel, Germany. This marks another important milestone in the ongoing program of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as General Contractor to build four next-generation SA'AR-6 class missile corvettes for the Israeli Navy.
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The official ceremony for the hands over of Sa'ar 6 INS Magen to the Israeli Navy. (Picture source ThyssenKrupp )
Dr. Rolf Wirtz, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: "This program is based on an open and trusting dialogue with our customer. I would like to thank Israel for the confidence it has shown in us. We are very proud to be contributing to Israel's security. I would also like to thank our employees: Despite challenging circumstances, they have achieved something great with tremendous care and discipline! Together, we stay focused on our way to becoming the most modern naval company in Europe."
The ships have the stealthy design of a low-signature missile corvette with tailor-made solutions and numerous new technologies onboard. The contract for the delivery of four SA'AR 6 corvettes - performed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (Lead) and project partner German Naval Yards - was signed in May 2015. After the design phase, the construction phase started with the steel cutting ceremony of the first-of-class in February 2018. Only 15 months after the first steel cut, the ship was undocked, fulfilling its very ambitious schedule. In May 2019, the “INS Magen” was named in Kiel. The other three ships are planned for delivery subsequently in intervals of a few months.
The INS Magen is the first Sa'ar 6 corvette that will be delivered to the Israeli navy. The other three ships will follow subsequently in intervals of a few months.
The Sa'ar 6 design is based on the German-made MEKO 100 patrol corvette, able to conduct a wide range of missions. The ship will be equipped with sensors and weapon systems produced locally by Israel companies to boost the combat capabilities of the ship. In August 2018, it was announced that Elbit Systems is awarded an approximately $85 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to supply Electronic Warfare (EW) suites for the Israeli Navy Sa’ar 6-class corvettes.
The Sa'ar 6 has a displacement of almost 1,900 tons at full load and is 90 m (295 ft 3 in) long. It is armed with an Oto Melara 76 mm main gun, two Typhoon Weapon Stations, 16 vertical launch cells for Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, 40 cells for the C-Dome air defense system, 16 anti-ship missiles (likely Gabriel 5), the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar, and two 324 mm torpedo launchers. It has hangar space and a platform able to accommodate a medium-class SH-60-type helicopter.
The Sa'ar will be powered by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system that integrates two MTU diesel engines coupled with two controllable pitch propellers (CPPs). The ship can reach a top speed of 26 knots with a maximum cruising range of 2,500 nmi.
